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Money & Payments

Learn everything about money, card payments and cash in Türkiye. Simple tips help you avoid surprises during your holiday.

Currency in Türkiye

The official currency in Türkiye is the Turkish Lira (TRY, ₺). All prices in shops, restaurants and supermarkets are shown in Lira. Coins and banknotes are available in common values and are easy to recognise.

In many tourist areas along the Turkish Riviera, Euro is also accepted, for example in hotels, on excursions and in some restaurants. However, prices in Euro are often slightly higher than the daily exchange rate.

Exchange rates can change every day. For the best value, it is usually better to pay in Turkish Lira and to check the current rate before you exchange larger amounts.

As a simple rule: use Lira for daily spending in Türkiye and keep some Euro as a backup.


Cash or Card Payments?

Both cash and card payments are common on the Turkish Riviera. In most places you can choose freely, but some situations still work better with cash.

WhereBest payment
Hotels & resortsCard or Euro accepted
Restaurants (tourist areas)Card or cash (Lira / Euro)
Local restaurantsCash in Lira preferred
SupermarketsCard widely accepted
Bazaars & marketsCash in Lira
Small shops & kiosksCash in Lira
TaxisCash in Lira
Excursions & toursCard, Euro or Lira
Hotels & resorts
Best payment
Card or Euro accepted
Restaurants (tourist areas)
Best payment
Card or cash (Lira / Euro)
Local restaurants
Best payment
Cash in Lira preferred
Supermarkets
Best payment
Card widely accepted
Bazaars & markets
Best payment
Cash in Lira
Small shops & kiosks
Best payment
Cash in Lira
Taxis
Best payment
Cash in Lira
Excursions & tours
Best payment
Card, Euro or Lira

ATMs & Currency Exchange

ATMs are available in almost every town and resort. Most machines accept international Visa and Mastercard and offer an English menu. Withdrawing Turkish Lira directly from an ATM is often one of the easiest options.

Exchange offices (Döviz) usually offer better rates than hotels or the airport. You will find them in city centres and shopping streets. Compare a few offices before you exchange larger amounts.

Banks also exchange money, but opening hours are limited and the process can be slower than in an exchange office.

At Antalya Airport, exchange rates are usually less attractive than in the city. It is often better to change only a small amount at the airport and the rest later in town.

Practical advice: always keep some cash for small purchases, tips and taxis, and pay larger amounts by card when possible.


Tipping in Türkiye

Tipping is a friendly gesture in Türkiye and always optional. It is not automatically added to the bill, so guests decide freely based on the service.

ServiceUsual tip
Restaurants5–10% of the bill
Taxi driversRound up the fare
Private transfer drivers5–10 € per trip
Tour guides5–10 € per person
Hotel staff (housekeeping)1–2 € per day
Hotel porters1–2 € per bag
Restaurants
Usual tip
5–10% of the bill
Taxi drivers
Usual tip
Round up the fare
Private transfer drivers
Usual tip
5–10 € per trip
Tour guides
Usual tip
5–10 € per person
Hotel staff (housekeeping)
Usual tip
1–2 € per day
Hotel porters
Usual tip
1–2 € per bag
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FAQ

Should I pay in Euro or Turkish Lira in Türkiye?

For most purchases, paying in Turkish Lira gives you the best value. Euro is accepted in many tourist places, but the exchange rate used is often less favourable than the daily rate.

Can I pay by credit card in Türkiye?

Yes. Visa and Mastercard are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, supermarkets and shops. American Express is less common. For bazaars, markets and small shops, cash is still the safest choice.

How much cash should I bring?

It is a good idea to bring some cash for small purchases, taxis and tips. Larger amounts are safer on a card. You can always withdraw more Turkish Lira from an ATM during your holiday.

Are ATMs safe to use in Türkiye?

ATMs from major banks are generally safe and widely available. Choose machines in banks, hotels or shopping centres. Always check for anything unusual on the machine and shield the keypad when entering your PIN.

Where do I get the best exchange rate?

Exchange offices (Döviz) in city centres usually offer better rates than hotels or the airport. Compare a few offices before exchanging larger amounts.

Is tipping expected in Türkiye?

Tipping is common but always optional. In restaurants, 5–10% of the bill is normal. For guides, drivers and hotel staff, a small tip is a friendly way to say thank you for good service.

Can I pay contactless in Türkiye?

Yes. Contactless payments with card, smartphone or smartwatch are widely accepted in cities and tourist areas. In small local shops and markets, cash is still the main option.

Should I exchange money before I travel?

It is usually not necessary. Exchange rates in Türkiye are often better than in your home country. A small amount for the first day is enough; the rest can be exchanged or withdrawn locally.

TÜRSAB and Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Culture and Tourism — Officially Licensed & Certified Travel Agency